Techstars

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Ethan Austin

MD of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator

Max Kelly

Managing Director of Techstars London

Lesa Mitchell

Managing Director

Vijay Tirathrai

Managing Director

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in British Columbia

Pantheon Design

Convertible Note in 2022
At Pantheon Design our mission is to build flexible manufacturing systems that hardware innovators and integrators to remove the pain of medium-scale manufacturing by providing an integrated 3D printing system able to deliver end-use quality parts at 10X the speed and 1/10 the cost.

Speakbox

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Speakbox enables counsellors and clients to exchange health information.

Fable

Seed Round in 2021
Fable believes in simple, timeless, and responsible designs. Fable is motivated by a common vision to create products that are as enjoyable as they are ethical. It intentionally designs pieces to transcend fashionable trends, creating pieces that are as timeless as they are elegant.

Aplic.io

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Aplic.io is a platform for successful college admission, one-stop-shop for students across the globe to find the best-fit college program, scholarship, mentors, and send their applications in just 2 clicks. The platform is a cost-saving tool for students to prepare for admission,find and apply to post-secondary institutions,scholarships, extracurricular activities, internships and jobs across Canada,US and the globe. Aplic.io makes the admission process much easier, helps students save thousands of dollars on agent fees and up to 200’000$ on tuition via scholarships. The platform has a structured description of 50’000+ post-secondary programs available for international students in 34 countries and over $22B in listed scholarships. The platform also has a marketplace of mentors, service providers, including certified visa and immigration consultants, learning centers and financial partners.

Olive

Seed Round in 2020
Olive Technologies, Inc. develops vendor selection software for teams to collaborate on and streamline digital transformation. It offers buyers to find technology solutions; vendors, to shorter sales cycle and generate leads; and consultant, to gain and build trust with clients and collaborate. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

LivNao Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2020
LivNao Technologies leverages deep learning to detect changes in mental health before it affects performance and productivity. Their deep learning model can detect deviation before performance is affected by collecting data passively. When they have detected a change in mental health, they nudge individuals with an intervention based on their health plan. LivNao is committed to creating a healthier, happier, and more productive world, in the way they know best using data. LivNao is also 100% HIPAA-compliant. It was based in Vancouver, Canada.

Olive

Funding Round in 2020
Olive Technologies, Inc. develops vendor selection software for teams to collaborate on and streamline digital transformation. It offers buyers to find technology solutions; vendors, to shorter sales cycle and generate leads; and consultant, to gain and build trust with clients and collaborate. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

WalletCard

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Protect your business and ensure regulatory compliance with mandatory training requirements. Scrap the spreadsheet, with WalletCard occupational health & safety records are easily and automatically updated to reduce the administrative burden of training management. With a collaborative digital safety record at it's core: their technology eliminates manual tracking of fragmented paper records by consolidating all documentation into one easy to access cloud‑based solution to prove due diligence and improve operational effectiveness & efficiency. Utilize their collaborative solution to digitally issue, track and manage workplace certificates, training records & industry specific documentation such as: JSA, ISO 9000, JHA, OHS, Asbestos, Fall Protection, Drivers Abstracts, COR, First Aid, Forklift, Competencies, Qualifications, Equipment Tracking, Machine Maintenance, Insurance and more.

Fable

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Fable believes in simple, timeless, and responsible designs. Fable is motivated by a common vision to create products that are as enjoyable as they are ethical. It intentionally designs pieces to transcend fashionable trends, creating pieces that are as timeless as they are elegant.

Downtown.AI

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Downtown.AI provides human movement SaaS platform, which enables users to explore the data and generate analyses, forecasts, and dynamic human movement maps. The cloud platform uses machine learning algorithms, mobile location data, and other sources. It offers solutions, which includes smart mobility services, transportation authorities, and car OEMs to enable autonomous cars. The company is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Niricson

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Niricson is a company that specializes in infrastructure asset management through the use of robotics and computer vision technology. It offers a predictive asset management platform that enables infrastructure owners to inspect structures more efficiently and with greater accuracy. The platform provides users with valuable insights, allowing for proactive planning of repairs and effective budget management. This service is particularly beneficial for hydro dam owners and engineering consulting firms, as it enhances their ability to ensure the safety of critical structures throughout their service life while also reducing operational costs.

Olive

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Olive Technologies, Inc. develops vendor selection software for teams to collaborate on and streamline digital transformation. It offers buyers to find technology solutions; vendors, to shorter sales cycle and generate leads; and consultant, to gain and build trust with clients and collaborate. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Educhain

Seed Round in 2020
EduChain Inc. develops enterprise software tools for designing, issuing, and managing blockchain-enabled digital documents. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

Damon Motors

Seed Round in 2019
Damon is unleashing the full potential of personal mobility for the world’s commuters. With its proprietary electric drivetrain, the company has developed the world’s safest, smartest, fully connected electric motorcycle platform employing radical innovations in battery propagation resistance, sensor fusion and AI. Designed as a platform for worldwide line extension, Damon motorcycles will ship direct to consumer on subscription plans to drive scale. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Damon is a Techstars Mobility company founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Giraud and Dom Kwong. Damon’s investors include Round 13 Capital, Techstars, Fontinalis, Extreme Venture Partners and Pallasite Ventures.

Fostrum

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Fostrum Financial Technologies, Inc. is a virtual banking platform based in Vancouver, Canada, catering to small businesses, startups, and freelancers. Established in 2018, the company offers a range of financial services, including invoicing, bill payments, interest accounts, corporate cards, and tailored financing solutions. Fostrum focuses on providing data-driven financing options specifically designed for digital small to medium enterprises, enabling them to manage their financial needs effectively.

RetargetLinks

Seed Round in 2018
RetargetLinks is a computer software company that features a link re-targeting software that allows its clients to display their banner advertisements to anyone online. RetargetLinks specializes in SaaS and marketing technology. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

ThisFish

Pre Seed Round in 2018
ThisFish is a emerging leader in seafood traceability software that improves business efficiency and increases trust and transparency in seafood supply chains.

Tenzr Health

Seed Round in 2018
Tenzr Health, a division of BioInteractive Technologies Inc., specializes in developing advanced wearable technology aimed at enhancing physical therapy and rehabilitation. The company's flagship product, TENZR, is a hands-free, camera-free wrist-worn device that utilizes artificial intelligence for gesture recognition, allowing users to control their environment and monitor their hand and arm movements in real-time. This innovative technology is designed to assist individuals recovering from various hand injuries, such as those caused by strokes, wrist fractures, or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Founded in 2015 and based in Vancouver, Canada, Tenzr Health has garnered endorsements from notable institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Techstars, positioning itself at the forefront of the medical device and digital health sectors.

Storytap

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Storytap is a video automation platform that helps ecommerce marketers enhance traffic and conversions through authentic customer video reviews. The platform allows businesses to create and circulate user-generated video content effectively. With a user-friendly web interface, Storytap facilitates the production of branding videos by enabling users to share and upload content from various social media sites, blogs, and client feedback. This approach assists businesses in generating video testimonials and fostering audience engagement, ultimately driving online growth and increasing inbound leads.

Locumunity

Seed Round in 2018
Locumunity Solutions Inc. operates a software as a service (SaaS) platform that connects physicians and locum tenens professionals with medical facilities seeking temporary staffing solutions. Established in 2016 and based in Vancouver, Canada, the company offers a unique online community where doctors can actively search for jobs and medical facilities can find qualified locums. Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, Locumunity employs a two-way matching algorithm that facilitates direct connections between job-seeking physicians and clinics or hospitals. This innovative approach allows locums to specify their preferences and availability while enabling medical facilities to efficiently tap into a network of thousands of doctors for locum tenens, telehealth, and permanent positions. By streamlining the hiring process, Locumunity saves time and resources for both healthcare providers and professionals.

Tenzr Health

Convertible Note in 2018
Tenzr Health, a division of BioInteractive Technologies Inc., specializes in developing advanced wearable technology aimed at enhancing physical therapy and rehabilitation. The company's flagship product, TENZR, is a hands-free, camera-free wrist-worn device that utilizes artificial intelligence for gesture recognition, allowing users to control their environment and monitor their hand and arm movements in real-time. This innovative technology is designed to assist individuals recovering from various hand injuries, such as those caused by strokes, wrist fractures, or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Founded in 2015 and based in Vancouver, Canada, Tenzr Health has garnered endorsements from notable institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Techstars, positioning itself at the forefront of the medical device and digital health sectors.

Locumunity

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Locumunity Solutions Inc. operates a software as a service (SaaS) platform that connects physicians and locum tenens professionals with medical facilities seeking temporary staffing solutions. Established in 2016 and based in Vancouver, Canada, the company offers a unique online community where doctors can actively search for jobs and medical facilities can find qualified locums. Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, Locumunity employs a two-way matching algorithm that facilitates direct connections between job-seeking physicians and clinics or hospitals. This innovative approach allows locums to specify their preferences and availability while enabling medical facilities to efficiently tap into a network of thousands of doctors for locum tenens, telehealth, and permanent positions. By streamlining the hiring process, Locumunity saves time and resources for both healthcare providers and professionals.

Spocket

Pre Seed Round in 2018
With the help of Machine Learning, Spocket is set to revolutionize the dropshipping market and aid online retailers compete with Amazon- by removing the need to hold inventory and erasing upfront costs for retailers. Spocket enables over 20,000 entrepreneurs across five continents to launch and scale their online stores. Be part of the revolutionary vision of Spocket to remove inventory from the online and physical retail by using the dropshipping model and fixing the $1.1 trillion issue called inventory distortion.

Advize

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Advize is AI powered text analytics software that analyzes voice of customer data from multiple channels.

LaunchBoard

Seed Round in 2018
Launchboard IO designs and develops project management platform for validating new business ideas and governing innovation portfolio with real time data and insights. The company’s products include portfolio management platform which offers accounting dashboard, real time project insights, and cross pollination between projects and project management portfolio for lean project management and experimentation. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Data Nerds

Series A in 2017
Data Nerds provides neighborhood and crime data solutions for businesses or apps. The company aims to make real estate simple by offering a suite of products for both consumers and businesses, powered by one of the largest property databases online. Data Nerds is dedicated to aggregating, digitalizing, and standardizing property data and presenting it to consumers through their API and various products. Data Nerds was founded in 2013 and is headquartered Kelowna, British Columbia.

Damon Motors

Convertible Note in 2017
Damon is unleashing the full potential of personal mobility for the world’s commuters. With its proprietary electric drivetrain, the company has developed the world’s safest, smartest, fully connected electric motorcycle platform employing radical innovations in battery propagation resistance, sensor fusion and AI. Designed as a platform for worldwide line extension, Damon motorcycles will ship direct to consumer on subscription plans to drive scale. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Damon is a Techstars Mobility company founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Giraud and Dom Kwong. Damon’s investors include Round 13 Capital, Techstars, Fontinalis, Extreme Venture Partners and Pallasite Ventures.

Freshline

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Freshline is an eCommerce and fulfillment platform designed for perishable food suppliers who sell directly to consumers. Initially launched as Coastline in 2016, the company focused on connecting fish farms and fisheries with high-end restaurants, utilizing the founders' extensive experience in the perishable food supply chain. Over four years, Coastline established seafood supply lines from various countries, including Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam, achieving approximately $4 million in annual revenue. In response to the changing market dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company pivoted to Freshline, adapting its business model to better serve direct-to-consumer needs while maintaining a focus on fresh and quality perishable products. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Freshline continues to innovate in the food supply sector.

VanHack

Pre Seed Round in 2017
VanHack is simply the fastest way for companies to hire tech talent from the whole world. We have over 100,000 verified developers from 100+ countries signed up and willing to relocate - and VanHack manages the immigration and relocation process for you.

Estated

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Estated is dedicated to aggregating, digitalizing, and standardizing property data and presenting it to consumers through our API and various products. Powered by a team of developers, data analysts, researchers, and support in Kelowna BC, Estated is dedicated to providing the most sophisticated and affordable property data solutions. Estated Data API: We have aggregated, standardized and digitalized millions of property records to create a platform that allows consumers to quickly and easily obtain property information that would otherwise be hard to get. By unlocking and unleashing this data, consumers have the ability to make smarter decisions about the biggest purchase of their life. Property Reports: While datasets and APIs might be helpful to those who can put them to use, they can be complex and intimidating to those unaware of how to use them. Estated provides a more streamlined and intuitive product focused on property reports and market insights translating our powerful data into an easy to use and accessible solution. Our reports include interactive maps, property valuations, in-depth details, financial history & mortgages, taxes, comparable properties, neighborhood information, nearby schools, and market conditions.

Data Nerds

Seed Round in 2017
Data Nerds provides neighborhood and crime data solutions for businesses or apps. The company aims to make real estate simple by offering a suite of products for both consumers and businesses, powered by one of the largest property databases online. Data Nerds is dedicated to aggregating, digitalizing, and standardizing property data and presenting it to consumers through their API and various products. Data Nerds was founded in 2013 and is headquartered Kelowna, British Columbia.

Routific

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Routific, Inc. is a Vancouver-based company that offers a route optimization platform designed to enhance vehicle routing and scheduling for small and medium-sized enterprises both in Canada and globally. The platform focuses on optimizing routes for last-mile delivery fleets, enabling businesses to achieve significant savings in time and fuel, reportedly up to 40%. Leveraging a proprietary algorithm, Routific combines efficiency with a user-friendly experience, positioning itself as a leading solution in the route optimization market. The company has garnered investment from notable entities such as Techstars Chicago, Pallasite Ventures, Firestarter Fund, and Axiom Zen.

Mentio

Seed Round in 2015
Mentio monitors your business and gives you actionable advice. Mentio provides you with the most important “To Do’s” to improve your financials freeing you to run the rest of the business. Mentio generates these “To Do’s” by analyzing your business on different areas of your business comparing you to past performance, others in your industry and best practices. It is all on your mobile devices giving you access anytime, anywhere enabling you to get things done no matter where you are. Mentio connects to your cloud accounting software analyzing your financials on a regular basis and providing recommendations on how to improve.

Edvisor.io

Seed Round in 2014
Edvisor.io increases access to global educational opportunities by seamlessly connecting schools and educational travel agencies via integrated web tools.

Edvisor.io

Convertible Note in 2014
Edvisor.io increases access to global educational opportunities by seamlessly connecting schools and educational travel agencies via integrated web tools.

Pathful

Seed Round in 2013
Pathful Technology Inc. is a Vancouver-based company that provides a web analytics platform designed to capture and analyze every visitor interaction on websites. This technology offers marketing professionals insights into visitor behavior and the performance of their conversion funnels, enabling them to compare their results against competitors. The platform eliminates the typical complexities associated with analytics and conversion optimization, requiring no setup or extensive data analysis. Additionally, Pathful also develops a college and career readiness system aimed at students and educators. This system includes assessments, graduation plans, and access to industry professionals, facilitating career planning and success for students. As of 2016, Pathful operates as a subsidiary of Mobify Research and Development, Inc.

Bench

Convertible Note in 2012
Bench Accounting Inc. is a fintech company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in providing online bookkeeping services for small businesses. Founded in 2012, the company combines intuitive software with a dedicated team of professional bookkeepers to automate accounting tasks, allowing clients to manage their finances more efficiently. Bench offers a range of services, including monthly financial statements, year-end financials, and year-round tax support, ensuring that business owners have access to comprehensive financial reporting and expert assistance. With a focus on affordability and convenience, Bench aims to streamline the bookkeeping process, empowering clients to concentrate on growing their businesses. The company has raised significant funding to support its operations and currently employs a workforce dedicated to serving thousands of clients across Canada.